Patents Examined by W. Morris Worth
  • Patent number: 5307530
    Abstract: A shampoo box for holding toiletries within a shower enclosure has a watertight one-piece body which is disposed within a frame attached to the interior of a shower wall. The frame is formed to substantially surround the body such that it snugly receives and substantially supports the body. The frame may be attached to a vertical wall stud by nails or screws. The box is specifically sized to contain larger toiletry articles such as bottles of shampoo to provide convenient access thereto during showering. A method for installing the same is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventors: William K. Duvall, David A. Rieman
  • Patent number: 5307529
    Abstract: An inflatable article for a person to rest thereupon and which is capable of generating massage bubbles for the person when the inflatable article is immersed in water. The inflatable article is composed of at least three layers of PVC sheets which include a first layer of PVC sheet, a second layer of PVC sheet, and a third layer of PVC sheet. The first layer and the second layer are heat-sealed together at a plurality of upper joints so as to form at least one inflatable air chambers between the first layer and the second layer, with a plurality of upper and lower vent holes being, respectively, formed in those areas of the heat-bonded first layer and second layer other than the air chamber so as to communicate the water around the inflatable article with the region below the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Team Worldwide Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 5305706
    Abstract: A page number indicating bookmarker capable of being selectively attached to a planar surface in a book which enables a reader to record a desired page number. The page number indicating bookmarker includes plurality of digit indicators which may be selectively attached in a side-by-side manner to any planar surface in the book. Each digit indicator is manipulated to record one digit of the desired page number. Each digit indicator includes an elongated body with a set of digits 0 to 9 aligned longitudinally on the top surface thereof. A collar with a central cutout is attached to the elongated body which slides over the elongated body. The central cutout enables the user to view a digit printed on the top surfaced of the elongated body disposed directly below the collar. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of digit indicators are used in combination with one topic indicator which enables a user to record the page number of important topics or subjects found in the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Ataullah Arjomand
  • Patent number: 5305704
    Abstract: A new and improved automobile locator apparatus includes a base member adapted to fit onto a top edge of an automobile window, an identifier element, and an adjustable assembly, connected between the base member and the identifier element, for orienting the identifier element with respect to the base member at a variety of selectable orientations. The adjustable orientation assembly includes a first element containing a first uneven surface connected to the base member and a second element containing a second uneven surface connected to the identifier element. A spring urges the first element and the second element together when a selected orientation of the identifier element with respect to the base member has been made. The identifier element may be an internally illuminated flat panel that employs fiber optics. Indicia are placed on top of the internally illuminated flat panel element to provide for specific identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Olajide O. Olaniyan
  • Patent number: 5305707
    Abstract: A special marker is disclosed that is affixed to a stationary or moving web near the lateral web edge to designate defective material. When edge trim is removed from the web, the trim removal device also cuts-off the front end of the marker so that the remaining portion is momentarily flush with the new web edge. This cutting action activates the remaining portion of the marker so that a component of the marker advances to extend out beyond the new web edge such that it is visible after the marker is wound into the rewind roll. This ability to see where the web was initially marked, after edge trim is removed, eliminates the conventional inaccurate and wasteful practice of remarking the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Robert Ryder
  • Patent number: 5303669
    Abstract: A marking tile is disclosed, for use in conjunction with pedestrian platforms and walkways. The preferred embodiment of the tile has a plurality of buttons or longitudinal strips projecting upwardly therefrom to provide a distinctively textured upper surface. The upward projections are of a lower height adjacent each exposed edge than elsewhere on the tile. An integral flange, vertical or angled away from the vertical, projects downwardly from each exposed edge. The edges of the tile which are exposed to pedestrian traffic may have a downwardly angled portion such that the height of the upper surface of the tile at the exposed edge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the rest of the tile, so that the edge may be installed flush with the platform or walkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled beneath the angled portion. The button surfaces and the surface of the tile between the buttons are provided with a plurality of small upward projections to texture the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Kenneth E. J. Szekely
  • Patent number: 5303586
    Abstract: A moveable body, cladding medium, and fiber are arranged to form a sensor suitable for use in monitoring changes in liquid, fluid, and material level and changes in pressure. The moveable body moves in response to changes in pressure or force. Movement of the body causes a change in the length of cladding medium surrounding an optical fiber. As the extent of cladded fiber length changes, the intensity of light transmitted through the fiber also changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Yang Zhao, Qingfeng Tang
  • Patent number: 5301631
    Abstract: An emergency locating device allows an injured person to inflate and deploy a balloon using only one hand. The device has a cylindrical housing holding a cartridge pressurized with a quantity of a lighter-than-air gas, a quick-release fitting for removably attaching the balloon to the upper end of the housing, and an actuator extending from the lower end of the housing for causing a pin to puncture the cartridge when the actuator is depressed to allow gas to flow from the cartridge through the fitting to inflate the balloon. The fitting can be manually separated into a lower segment that remains attached to the housing, and an upper segment attached to the balloon that includes a one-way valve to prevent gas from escaping. The inflated balloon is tethered by a line to the housing. The upper portion of the housing can be used as a reel or spool to store the tether line when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: John K. Vining
  • Patent number: 5302022
    Abstract: A thermal test apparatus for measuring the thermal heat transfer characteristics of semiconductor packaging material as well as the thermal characteristics of the package design is disclosed comprising a substrate having the size and shape of a semiconductor die. The substrate is in contact with the semiconductor packaging material. A heating source for heating the substrate is located within the apparatus, along with a temperature sensitive element for which the voltage drop across the element is a function of temperature. The element is connected in series via a first set of conductive traces to forcing pads used to force current through the element. Sensing pads for measuring the forward voltage drop of the diode are connected in parallel via a second set of conductive traces across the element to two points very close to the element in order to greatly reduce the thermal resistance measurement error due to the resistance in the conductive trace material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-ching Huang, Kenny Y. Ng
  • Patent number: 5299525
    Abstract: A system for removably displaying preselected indicia, the system comprising, a tubular support, the tubular support having an interior diameter and an exterior diameter and a length whereby when positioned over an antenna, the upper edge of the support will be located immediately beneath the enlargement at the upper end of the antenna for minimizing the chance of inadvertent lifting of the support from the antenna; and a pair of clips, each clip having an exterior portion and an interior portion coupled with respect to the support, the exterior portion including a two components, one component being resiliently urged into contact with the other to form a closed loop but movably away to create an opening therebetween; and a plurality of flags individually removably coupleable to the post, each flag including a sheet having indicia thereon and a periphery, an essentially rigid support structure secured within at least a portion of the periphery adapted to maintain the sheet in a predetermined orientation, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel R. Romesburg
  • Patent number: 5295273
    Abstract: A coupling connects a pressurized flush water vessel held in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl. The coupling has a passageway which provides direct fluid communication between the vessel and the bowl and a chamber for accumulating drainage, which may be exhausted into the toilet tank from inlet devices for the pressure vessel. A swinging door type one way valve substantially seals against leakage from the passageway to the chamber but allows drainage accumulated in the chamber to flow through a port to the passageway. The inlet to the chamber is above the port and at or below the bottom of the toilet tank and the port and the chamber inlet open above the spill level of the toilet. The inlet of the coupling is offset from the outlet and a cradle elevates the pressure vessel above the toilet tank bottom and captures heads of fasteners which secure the toilet tank to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Jason D. Unger, John M. Bloemer
  • Patent number: 5295747
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature and pressure of a liquid coolant in a cooling system having a sealant which seals around a needle from a pressure or temperature probe and re-seals itself upon removal of the needle. The sealant is fitted within an axial bore within the monitoring device. The needles of the pressure and temperature probes puncture the sealant and are adapted to be in communication with the cooling system. The monitoring device further includes a pressure relief probe for rapid decrease of the cooling system pressure. The invention may be for testing a closed pressurized system using the pressure probe with a valve or other orifice for pressurizing the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Waekon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Vinci
  • Patent number: 5295274
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus includes a tank for storing liquid to be dispensed, a fill line communicating with an interior of the tank and adapted to be coupled to a source of the liquid, a heating element for heating the liquid, a heating control device for controlling the heating element to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature, a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from the tank under pressure and a dispensing control device for selectively controlling the dispensing of the liquid by the dispensing device. The fill line is adapted to be connected to existing plumbing, such as a toilet water supply line behind a wall adjacent the toilet. The tank is adapted to be housed in a recessed wall cabinet adjacent the toilet so that the entire apparatus is hidden from view when not in use. The tank includes a sump portion defining a lowermost portion of the tank, to facilitate complete evacuation of liquid from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Rickey A. Daniels, Thomas R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5293833
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for periodically testing emergency wash units which involve the use of a transparent splash containment device which is positioned over an emergency wash unit and optionally attached thereto. The transparent splash containment device diverts and directs water flow to the drain of the emergency wash unit. An alignment indicator including sighting marks is provided to determine the alignment of the water flow. The sighting marks are provided with grid scales which can be used to estimate the velocity of the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Rebecca L. West, Douglas W. Kirby, Duel Seymore
  • Patent number: 5291783
    Abstract: A tube for use in a fixed angle centrifuge rotor having a rotor cavity inclined at a predetermined angle .THETA. with respect to the axis of rotation is characterized by one or more marking(s) thereon that indicates the level to which the tube may be filled with liquid without risk of spillage due to meniscus re-orientation. The markings may be graduated in terms of angles at which the rotor cavity may be inclined or in terms of the identity of each rotor into which the tube may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5291850
    Abstract: In indicating devices of the invention, a slide member is disposed between two registering rectangular sheets forming a holding member and is guided for relative rectilinear movement in certain embodiments and for relative rotational movement in other embodiments, the position of the slide member relative to the holding member being adjustable according to differences in handicap and to indicate stroke holes on which strokes are to be given by one golfer to another golfer in a accordance with a particular order of handicap order numbers of a golf course. Certain embodiments are designed for use separately from a golf course score card while others include indicia to be usable as golf course score card and to more directly indicate stroke holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventors: LeRoy W. Gries, Van M. Lund
  • Patent number: 5289794
    Abstract: A gear range indicator for use with automatic transmissions which is remote from the shift mechanism yet requires minimal adjustment to be made to the mechanical linkage to compensate for variations in the position of the display relative to the shift mechanism. This gear range indicator used has magnetic biasing means to position a pointer to the appropriate transmission gear range symbol on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Harlan D. Jerro, James L. Kohler, Steven G. Skiver, Timothy J. Candy, Donald F. Wildfong, Morgan D. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5287570
    Abstract: A control system for water faucets comprises an on-off control switch located at a sink and actuated by pressure applied and released by the body of the user. When the body of the user pushes forward towards the sink, the switch will be depressed and the water faucets will turn on. When the user backs away from the sink, the switch will be released and close off the flow of water. An overflow reservoir is provided to collect cold water run off prior to the time when hot water makes its way through the water pipes, and a temperature sensor switch and/or alarm controls either an automatic or manual change over from hot to cold water. In addition, a microprocessor and key board control various water delivery functions such as volume and temperature. The control system reduces leakage and saves water which would otherwise be lost due to running the hot water until it becomes heated to the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventors: Donald A. Peterson, Bryan J. Broussard
  • Patent number: 5287823
    Abstract: An improved page marker for positionable and removable attachment to a sheet comprising two panels and one extending area. The panels, which may be in an extended or unfolded position or may be folded back against each other along a common bend or crease, are used in conjunction with a conventional paper clip to secure a sheet. Both panels consist of retainer means to keep the paper clip in position when the page marker is being moved by force. The area extending beyond the two panels and the clipped sheet serves the purpose as a marking or message means for a book, a filing system, or the like papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: QLH USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis T. Jiang
  • Patent number: 5287822
    Abstract: An improved portable warning marker of the type used to divert and/or guide motor vehicle traffic through or around roadway construction sites is disclosed. The warning marker may be of a foldable type including a plate member is pivotally attached to a flat base member, and a pair of wing members pivotally attached on opposite sides of the plate member so as to be independently tiltable from operative positions perpendicular to the plate and base members to a storage position against opposite broad surfaces of the plate member. Upon placing the wing members in their storage positions, the plate member is tiltable from an operative upright position to a downfolded storage position essentially parallel to the base member. A device for permitting a portable marker to be lifted through the use of a long handled tool having a hooked or forked end, which device is attached to an upper end of the marker is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Roger K. Anderson